tvOS 27.2 RC Lays Groundwork for HomePod Surround Sound

Monday October 19, 2026 12:09 pm PDT by Juli Clover

The iOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and HomePod Software 27.2 updates that Apple seeded today add support for four-speaker surround sound on the new Apple TV 4K ahead of its launch.

Setting up a HomePod home theater is done directly on the Apple TV, but there is an option to start the process with the Apple TV remote app on iPhone.

With the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, you can use four HomePod mini 2 speakers, four second-generation HomePods, or two HomePods and two HomePod mini 2 speakers for surround sound (as long as each pair matches).

The original HomePod and the original HomePod mini can't be used for surround sound, and older Apple TV models don't support the feature.

Combining HomePod speakers with an Apple TV creates a home theater grouping, and the speakers are treated as a single accessory instead of separate audio devices. The speakers can detect their position in the room for calibrating timing and levels.

The HomePod mini 2 launches on October 30, while the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K comes out on November 13. Both new devices can be pre-ordered from Apple. We're expecting iOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and HomePod Software 27.2 updates to come out next week.

Friday September 25, 2026 8:16 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris has uncovered an image file from Apple for an unreleased Apple TV 4K, suggesting that a new model will finally be released soon. The image is specifically for an "Apple TV 4K (4th generation)" model.

Apple TV 4K (4th generation) image (on a gradient)

The image reveals that the Apple TV will have the same external design as the current model, with all of its...

Sunday October 11, 2026 12:56 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Just two days before Apple's "Welcome home" experience in New York, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has leaked several details about the new products set to be unveiled, including an all-new smart home hub, a HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K.

Here is an all-in-one summary of the details shared by Gurman:Apple's home hub with a touch-enabled display will be named HomeView, seemingly confirming a ...

Friday September 25, 2026 8:18 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

The next iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K models have all leaked, just a few weeks before the devices are expected to be announced. Specifically, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered a few of Apple's official images of the devices, confirming their existence and some new features that are planned.

The most notable iPad mini details revealed in today's leak include an A20 Pro ...

Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.